It’s Halloween night in Baton Rouge, and the streets glow with pumpkins and porch lights. Kids in bright and spooky costumes rush from house to house, laughing and shouting “Trick or treat!”
In Prairieville and Gonzales, families walk together, candy bags filling fast. Even in Donaldsonville, you can hear the sound of excited footsteps and see flashlights shining through the dark. But with all this excitement, there’s also danger — and it often comes from the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says more children are hit by cars on Halloween than any other night.
A study found that between 5 p.m. and midnight, kids are 43% more likely to be hit by cars.
Why does this happen?
Many kids walk after dark, when it’s harder for drivers to see them. Some wear dark costumes that blend into the night, making them even less visible. Drivers may also be tired, distracted, or simply not expecting children to cross the road. Since most trick-or-treating happens in neighborhoods where cars and kids share the same streets, it’s important for everyone to stay alert and careful.
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The National Safety Council (NSC) says children are twice as likely to be hit and killed on Halloween. In Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Gonzales, and Donaldsonville, some areas have poor lighting or no sidewalks. So bright or reflective costumes help drivers see kids more easily.
Costume and Visibility Tips for Kids and Families
Keeping kids visible is one of the easiest ways to stay safe on Halloween.
Choose Safe Costumes
- Pick bright or reflective costumes to help drivers see your child.
- Add reflective tape, glow sticks, or light-up accessories if costumes are dark.
- Avoid costumes that cover the eyes or drag on the ground.
- Use face paint instead of masks so kids can see clearly.
- Carry a flashlight or wear LED bracelets while walking.
Walking Smart
- Always have an adult walk with young children.
- Use sidewalks when possible. If none exist, walk facing traffic.
- Cross only at corners or crosswalks.
- Never run between parked cars.
- Stay alert and avoid using phones while walking.
- Stick to well-lit and familiar neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, or Donaldsonville.
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Louisiana at Night
- Louisiana nights can be humid or rainy, making roads slippery.
- Wear non-slip shoes and costumes that won’t drag in wet weather.
- Because it’s warm, light fabrics work best — just make sure they’re bright and easy to spot.
- Even if you know the neighborhood, don’t assume drivers can see you.
- Decorations, darkness, and excitement can distract drivers easily.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Neighborhoods
Drivers help keep Halloween safe in Baton Rouge, Donaldsonville, Prairieville, and Gonzales neighborhoods.
For Drivers:
- Slow down in neighborhoods, especially between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Turn on headlights early, even before dark.
- Watch for kids crossing mid-block or darting between cars.
- Don’t text or use your phone while driving.
- Never drink and drive — crashes increase on Halloween.
- When backing out of driveways, check carefully for children.
Homeowners and Parents
- Keep porch and yard lights on to help kids see and stay visible.
- Move cords and decorations off sidewalks to prevent trips.
- Put up “Slow Down – Children at Play” signs when possible.
- Remind guests and neighbors to drive slowly in residential areas.
When Halloween Fun Turns into Car Wrecks
Halloween night can bring more than costumes and candy — it can bring car wrecks, too. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports higher crash numbers during late October, often from distracted or impaired driving.
In Ascension Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish, traffic increases as families attend festivals, parties, and trunk-or-treat events. Even a small distraction — a text, a phone call, or checking directions — can cause a serious crash.
Most Halloween wrecks happen in residential areas, where children and families are walking. Drivers who speed or fail to yield may not see pedestrians until it’s too late. If you’re driving on Halloween, slow down, stay off your phone, and never drive under the influence.
For families, remind kids to stop at the edge of driveways and look both ways before crossing. A moment of attention can prevent a lifetime of regret.
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Safety All Year Long
These safety tips work every day, not just on Halloween. Wear bright or reflective clothes when walking or biking at dusk. Drivers should slow down in neighborhoods all year long.
Whether you’re in Prairieville or Gonzales, seeing and being seen saves lives. A few seconds of care can prevent a tragedy. Let’s keep Louisiana roads safe for families in Baton Rouge, Donaldsonville, Prairieville, and Gonzales — this Halloween and every night. 🎃
If you or someone you love is hurt in a car wreck, Call Corzo because help, respect, and justice are only one call away.